Agenda Profile: Leo Kunnas
Second reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)
2024-11-13
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the 2025 state budget draft (513 SE), sharply criticizing the government's quality of governance, which they assess as "poor." The stated political priorities are improving the demographic situation and security, with demography being considered the single most urgent problem requiring resolution. The criticism is primarily results-oriented and strategic, focusing on deficiencies in long-term decision-making (energy, transport).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in state budget control (referencing the National Audit Office), the details of the defense budget (using GDP percentages and absolute figures), and strategic infrastructure planning. The analysis is technical and relies on concrete data, such as comparing defense expenditure percentages and criticizing the allocation of aid funds for Ukraine. He/She also demonstrates knowledge regarding the necessity of firm capacity in energy systems.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical, analytical, and highlights strategic errors, using strongly judgmental language ("the quality of leadership is poor"). The speaker focuses on logical arguments and long-term consequences, citing examples of historical strategic decisions (the relocation of the railway in 1941) and international comparisons (Ukraine's energy system). He/She accuses the government of sending the wrong signal regarding defense spending.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered during the second reading of the state budget bill. The speaker referenced their previous critical address concerning the same budget, indicating consistent opposition to the bill. Information regarding other patterns of activity is unavailable.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism targets the quality of the government and its governance, which is deemed poor and prevents the making of adequate decisions. The criticism is both procedural (uncontrolled budgeting) and political (distortion of the defense budget due to aid for Ukraine, and ill-advised strategic investments). The opposition is intense because, in the speaker's view, the government's actions are sending the wrong signal.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation with political colleagues is not mentioned. To substantiate their arguments, the speaker relies on the National Audit Office's long-standing criticism regarding the structure of the budget, using institutional authority to support their positions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on key national strategic issues (the Estonian energy system, Rail Baltic, demography) and international security. Primary attention is given to supporting Ukraine and how that support is reflected in the Estonian budget. There is no regional or local focus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize budget controllability and fiscal adequacy, while remaining skeptical of the economic growth forecast underpinning the budget. The speaker criticizes the tying up of funds in unproductive strategic projects (e.g., redundant energy systems, Rail Baltic) and demands that resources be redirected to higher-priority areas, such as demography.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The most pressing social issue is considered to be improving the demographic situation and tackling the falling birth rate, which, in the speaker's estimation, is even more important than national security. The budget is sharply criticized because it neither reflects nor addresses this problem at all.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the opposition to the 2025 State Budget Act draft (Bill 513 SE) during its second reading. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, focusing on its structural deficiencies, particularly concerning the accounting of defense expenditures and the failure to address demographics.
3 Speeches Analyzed